Bio

Don began his M&A career when the SaaS company he was leading as CEO began generating interest from a public company. The next 5 months was a whirlwind of on-the-job learning as he negotiated the terms, navigated due diligence, and continually resuscitated the deal before bringing it to close for $87.5 Million. Don was then asked to stay on and assume the role of Corporate Development Officer leading all M&A activity. Don built many lifelong relationships with founders as he led the due diligence of dozens of companies leading to the $150 Million acquisition of a strategic partner. Through this experience, Don gained a passion for helping others through one of biggest decisions and processes of their lives. At SDR Ventures, Don leverages his significant operational background to bear in supporting founders and entrepreneurs through the M&A process. Don brings over 20 years of experience leading companies in the SaaS, manufacturing, and construction industries. Don held the roles in technology of CEO, COO and CDO. Don also spent 12 years at Pella Corporation where he led negotiations with Lowes, led a manufacturing plant, and was GM for a regional distributor. Don designed and launched a software for executives and EAs. He authors the “1 Job 2 People” blog and is a requested public speaker and writer featured at numerous conferences, webinars, podcasts, and professional magazines. Don holds a BS in Business from Iowa State University, an MBA from the University of Iowa, and has completed executive programs at Northwestern and Harvard.